State of Michigan Competency Exams

Candidates for Michigan teacher certification must pass tests designed by the State of Michigan to ensure that certified teachers have the necessary basic skills and content knowledge to perform effectively in Michigan schools.  The competency exams are known as the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).  The required tests include:

	Basic Skills Test - This test must be taken and all subtests passed by all candidates for Michigan certification before being admitted to the certification program.  The test includes sub-tests in reading, writing, and math.  If one or more subtest is failed, the particular subtest(s) can be retaken.  Michigan State University students are encouraged to take the Basic Skills test during their freshmen year but the test should be taken no later than the fall of the sophomore year.

	Subject Area Tests - Students must pass the required State of Michigan certification tests for elementary teaching or the appropriate major and minor subject area tests for secondary teaching prior to the internship year.

	Elementary Certification - For those seeking elementary certification, including special education and early childhood education, students must take and pass the MTTC in elementary education (test #83) as a condition for progression to the internship (TE501).

	For elementary education students, passing the elementary education test is a requirement for completion of the teacher certification program and is the minimal requirement of the State of Michigan in order to receive certification to teach in grades K-5.  If you additionally wish to teach in grades 6-8, you must pass tests in subject matter areas where you wish to receive endorsements (you must have completed majors or minors in these areas.)  Students in special education or early childhood must pass tests in their respective area (e.g., HI, EI, LD, or VI or early childhood education) in order to be endorsed in those areas and eligible to teach in those areas.  Passing these subject matter tests, however, is not required for program completion.

Other Information - Registration booklets are available in 134 Erickson Hall.  Information about test dates, costs, and registering for the tests is included in the booklet.  The booklet also includes sample questions and objectives for the Basic Skills Test.  Test scores must be officially reported to Michigan State University.  Follow directions in the test booklet to insure that scores are sent directly to MSU.

Study Guides for the subject area tests can be ordered through the test registration booklet.  Objectives for the subject area tests and many of the study guides are available at the assigned reading desk at the Main MSU library.  An advisor in Room 134 Erickson Hall can assist candidates in determining the specific State of Michigan tests to take that correlate with their specific teaching major and/or minor(s).  

Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to frequently asked questions about the MTTC are available at the following web address:  http://www.ed-web3.educ.msu.edu/te/ele/mttcfaq.htm

Students are responsible for reading and understanding testing requirements as printed in the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification registration bulletin which is available in 134 Erickson Hall.